In its first UFC event in 2 months, the UFC makes the trek across the country to the Sunshine State and rolls out a fight card that is arguably one of the best that the promotion has ever backed. Man I can't wait until 6:00 PM tonight! I'm like a kid on Christmas morning. Tonight's card not only features 3 of New England's biggest MMA stars in Calvin Kattar, Yorgan De Castro, and Charles Rosa, but it is stacked with great matchups throughout the card. The main event of Tony Ferguson vs. Justin Gaethje is worth the price of admission alone, and there is no doubt that this fight will be a banger! Mix in Dominick Cruz taking on Henry Cejudo for the 135 pound strap, and Donald Cerrone throwing down with Anthony Pettis, and you have the makeup for a potentially historically entertaining event.
This card comes during a time where live entertainment is needed in the country, and hopefully we can all put the current pandemic behind us for 7 hours and enjoy some fireworks inside the cage!
Join us tonight as we update this article throughout the night with live results, and reaction to 3 of New England's own going to battle in the UFC Octagon.
Tony Ferguson vs. Justin Gaethje
Justin Gaethje dominates Tony Ferguson over the course of 4.5 rounds before the fight is stopped by Herb Dean after he's seen too much punishment dished out on Ferguson.
ROUND 1
Both fighters are throwing heavy shots in the center of the cage, landing sporadically. Close round, but we'll give it to Gaethje 10-9.
ROUND 2
Another banger of a round! Super close round, as both fighters landed throughout. I had Gaethje with a slight edge as the time wound down in the round, but Ferguson landed a big uppercut right at the end of the round that sent Gaethje to the canvas briefly. Ferguson 10-9
ROUND 3
Gaethje's gas tank is still intact and he's landing big punches. He's busting up Ferguson and getting the better of the exchanges. Gaethje 10-9
ROUND 4
Gaethje is pulling away with a much crisper, powerful boxing game. He's also chopping Ferguson's legs throughout the round as well. We haven't seen Tony Ferguson look this uncomfortable in the cage in over 10 years. Ferguson needs a finish to win. Gaethje 10-9
ROUND 5
Gaethje looks great! He's unloading on a completely dominated Tony Ferguson. He lands a crisp left hook, and Herb Dean has seen enough and steps in to end the fight. Justin Geathje looked like a world champion tonight. He was tactical, smart, had awesome cardio, and through power shots all night long! A truly amazing performance by the 2/1 underdog!
Henry Cejudo vs. Dominick Cruz
Henry Cejudo wins via TKO in the 2nd round after landing a big knee as Cruz went to shoot. Unexpectedly, Cejudo retires after the fight, leaving the sport on top as the self-proclaimed "Triple C".
Jair Rozenstruik vs. Francis N.Gannou
JESUS CHRIST! That was frightening! Francis N'Gannou wins by vicious, coma-enducing left hook that puts Rozenstruik to sleep against the cage. Francis is a scary, scary man. Look out HW division.
Calvin Kattar vs. Jeremy Stephens
Calvin Kattar wins in impressive fashion, KO'ing Jeremy Stephens with a hellish elbow in the 2nd round!
ROUND 1
Wow! Fireworks in round one with both Stephens and Kattar throwing power shots and landing. Stephens landed a plethora of heavy low kicks to Kattar's front leg, but Calvin came back and landed some heavy kicks and punches of his own. Tight first round, but I'll give Stephens the slight nod. 10-9
ROUND 2
AND BOOM! Calvin lands an elbow from hell, KO'ing Stephens and cutting him open in the process. Calvin looked super sharp in the 2nd round, and further solidifying himself as one of the best 145ers in the world! Hell of a job Calvin, Tyson, and the rest of the crew!
Yorgan De Castro vs. Greg Hardy
Greg Hardy wins a lackluster heavyweight tilt, as Fall River's De Castro hurt his foot throwing a kick halfway through the fight, and his activity became pretty much non-existent for the rest of the fight, opening the door for Hardy to take home the unanimous decision win.
Donald Cerrone vs. Anthony Pettis
Anthony Pettis wins a split decision against a very game Donald Cerrone. Hell of a fight!
Alexey Oleinik vs. Fabricio Werdum
Alexey Oleniki defeats Fabricio Werdum by split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)
Mostly a standup battle between two highly experienced ground fighters. Oleinik came into the fight in shape. You couldn't say the same for Werdum who was coming off of a 2 year layoff due to a PED suspension. Oleniki through some winging hanymakers, but Werdum's chin held up. Oleinik out points the Brazilian on the feet and takes home the split decision victory and proves to everyone that age is just a number.
Michelle Waterson vs. Carla Esparza
Carla Esparza beats Michelle Waterson by a weirdly scored split-decision (30-27, 29-28, 27-30)
Niko Price vs. Vincente Luque
Vincente Luque beats Niko Price via doctor stoppage in the 3rd round.
This was a true banger! Awesome fight with both guys trading in the center of the cage for 3 rounds, and man could you tell on their faces. Price's right eye was closed shut, forcing the doctor to stop the fight.
Charles Rosa vs. Bryce Mitchell
Bryce Mitchell dominates Charles Rosa on the mat and wins a unanimous decision (30-25, 30-24, 30-24)
ROUND 1
An amazing display of grappling in round 1! Mitchell dominated most of the action on the ground, barely escaping a couple head and arm triangles, as well as another Twister attempt from Mitchell. I've never given a 10-8 round to a fighter when it's purely a grappling round, but if there is ever a 10-8 round on the mat, that was one. 10-8 Mitchell.
ROUND 2
Bryce Mitchell is an absolute beast on the ground! Another dominating round for Mitchell on the mat. Peabody's Rosa will need a finish in the 3rd round to have a chance at winning this fight. 10-9 Mitchell
ROUND 3
More of the same. Another dominating round by Mitchell on the mat. 10-9 Mitchell
Sam Alvey vs. Ryan Spann
Ryan Spann beats "Smilin" Sam Alvey by split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)
Spann came close to ending the fight in the 1st round with a standing head and arm choke, but Alvey was able to survive the threat. Alvey's durability showed through, but Spann got the better of the exchanges through most of the fight.
